It was a day of pure dominance and unbridled energy at the Queens College Tennis Courts in Flushing, New York, as the Baruch College Bearcats women’s tennis team delivered a statement-making 7-0 victory over Albertus Magnus College in their home opener on September 13, 2025. With the sun shining and fans eager for the start of the CUNYAC season, the Bearcats wasted no time asserting themselves as contenders, sweeping every match and leaving the visiting Falcons searching for answers.
From the opening serve, Baruch’s doubles teams set the tone for what would become a flawless afternoon. The first doubles pairing of Aishika Yadav and Maria Calvo Prado was simply unstoppable, storming to a 6-0 win that electrified the home crowd. Their chemistry and aggressive net play proved too much for their opponents, and the Bearcats quickly secured all three doubles points. This early momentum was a harbinger of the singles action to come.
Transitioning to singles play, Baruch’s depth and determination shone through at every position. Maria Rojas, at fourth singles, was in a class of her own, dispatching her opponent with a double bagel—6-0, 6-0—in a near-perfect performance. Her consistency from the baseline and deft touch at the net left little room for Albertus Magnus to mount a challenge. Not far behind, Mariam Ghanem at fifth singles put on a clinic of her own, cruising to a 6-0, 6-2 win that showcased her precise groundstrokes and tactical awareness.
But not every match was a runaway. The most dramatic contest of the afternoon unfolded at third singles, where Baruch’s Doyeong Lee faced a spirited challenge. After capturing the first set 6-3, Lee dropped the second 4-6, setting up a high-stakes super tie-break. With nerves of steel and the crowd on their feet, Lee edged out her opponent 10-8 in a roller-coaster finish, sealing the sweep and earning raucous applause from teammates and supporters alike.
It was a comprehensive effort across the board. The Bearcats swept all six singles matches, demonstrating both their individual talent and their collective unity. Their doubles sweep—highlighted by Yadav and Calvo Prado’s dominating performance—set the stage, and their singles prowess ensured there would be no letup. For Albertus Magnus College, this match marked a baptism by fire in their inaugural season as an associate member of CUNYAC women’s tennis. Though they were unable to secure a point, the Falcons gained valuable experience against a seasoned Baruch squad. Every point played, every rally extended, will serve them well as the season progresses.
For Baruch, this win is more than just a notch in the standings—it’s a signal to the rest of the conference that the Bearcats mean business. The team’s balance of veteran leadership and emerging talent was on full display. Yadav and Calvo Prado’s doubles synergy, Rojas’s clinical precision, Ghanem’s relentless drive, and Lee’s clutch resilience all combined to create a formidable lineup.
“We came out focused and ready to compete,” said a beaming Bearcats coach after the match. “Our doubles teams set the tone, and everyone brought their best to singles. I’m proud of how we supported each other and executed our game plan.”
Indeed, the unity and energy on the Baruch sideline were palpable. Teammates cheered each other on, offering encouragement and fist bumps after every big point. The sense of camaraderie was unmistakable—a hallmark of programs with championship aspirations.
Albertus Magnus, for their part, showed flashes of potential and tenacity. Competing in their first season as a CUNYAC associate member, the Falcons are building a foundation for future success. While the scoreboard may not have reflected their effort, the lessons learned from facing a powerhouse like Baruch will undoubtedly serve them well as they continue to grow and develop.
The Bearcats’ victory also comes at a time of heightened excitement for tennis fans in New York. Just days earlier, the U.S. Open wrapped up at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, where the world watched Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz claim the singles crowns and fans sipped on the now-iconic Honey Deuce cocktails. The energy from Flushing Meadows seems to have spilled over to the collegiate courts, infusing the local tennis scene with a renewed sense of anticipation and pride.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next CUNYAC home matchup against Lehman College on Friday, September 19, at 4:00 p.m. With confidence soaring and the team firing on all cylinders, Baruch hopes to keep their winning ways alive and continue their march toward conference supremacy.
For fans and alumni eager to follow the journey, Baruch Athletics maintains an active presence across social media platforms, including Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook (@BaruchAthletics), as well as two YouTube channels—BaruchCollegeAthletics and BaruchBearcatsBroadcasting—offering highlights, interviews, and live match coverage. The buzz surrounding this year’s squad is real, and with performances like Saturday’s, it’s easy to see why.
As the dust settles on a resounding 7-0 victory, the Bearcats can take pride in a job well done. But with a long season ahead and bigger challenges on the horizon, there’s no time to rest on their laurels. The message to the rest of CUNYAC is loud and clear: Baruch is here, and they’re ready to compete for every point, every match, and every title. The journey continues next Friday, and if this opener is any indication, Bearcats fans are in for one heck of a ride.
